Anime series that blend captivating storylines with fashion, clothing, and style, like Urahara, Paradise Kiss, Nana, and Princess Jellyfish.
Step into the captivating worlds of slice-of-life anime series and discover the exciting Japanese fashion scene. Fashion and style are at the heart of most anime narratives, but certain shows and films put fashion front and center.
These imaginative anime series take you on a journey into the world of fashion and introduce you to some of the most innovative and trendsetting anime characters.
With a perfect blend of emotion, motivation, and humor, these captivating anime series offer a fantastic opportunity to expand your fashion knowledge while immersing yourself in an unforgettable experience.
Anime and Fashion: A Perfect Match for Trendsetters
When it comes to character design, anime, and fashion can make a delightful combination. However, some anime go above and beyond by placing fashion at the heart of their storyline and premise.
18The Garden of Words
Step into the enchanting world of Makoto Shinkai’s anime masterpiece, The Garden of Words. This soul-stirring tale follows the unlikely friendship between a teenage boy and a woman in her twenties, all set against the captivating backdrop of Tokyo.
Takao, a high school student, dreams of becoming a professional shoemaker and finds solace in peacefully sketching shoes in one of Tokyo’s serene gardens instead of attending school. He meets Yukino there, and the two quickly form a deep connection.
In a touching moment, Takao promises to make a shoe for Yukino and presents it to her as a gift.
The Garden of Words is a heartwarming anime that delves into the complexities of adulthood and the beauty of unlikely friendships. With its breathtaking art style, this anime weaves an immersive and alluring atmosphere that captivates you.
17Urahara – Fashion Animes
Elevate your anime playlist with “Urahara,” an anime about fashion that seamlessly melds the world of style with magical girl elements.
Set in Harajuku, the heart of Japan’s fashion scene, the series follows three trendsetting girls – Rito, Mari, and Kotoko – as they passionately work on launching their boutique and bakery named “PARK.”
Yet, their fashion dreams are suddenly disrupted when an enigmatic alien race descends upon Harajuku, casting shadows over everything they cherish.
Amidst the chaos, an enigmatic girl allies with our fashionable trio in a spirited defense of their beloved Harajuku. Brimming with vibrancy and a lively flair, “Urahara” is a delightful anime about fashion that promises to warm your heart and inspire your style.
16Flavors Of Youth
Dive into the captivating world of fashion and runway glamour with Netflix’s anthology film, which includes a standout story focused on the world of an anime about fashion models. “A Little Fashion Show” is the riveting second storyline amongst the three in this anthology.
The plot intricately weaves the dreams and challenges of two sisters, Yi and Lulu Yin. While one aims to stride down the ramp as a fashion model, the other nurtures ambitions of being a renowned fashion designer.
The film unflinchingly portrays the myriad of hurdles that these zealous sisters encounter in the competitive fashion world.
Yet, what elevates “A Little Fashion Show” beyond its gripping narrative is its jaw-dropping artistry. The studio’s unique artistic approach, distinctively different from their previous masterpiece “Your Name,” crafts a cinematic experience that is both unforgettable and emotionally resonant.
15Smile At The Runway
This heartwarming anime fashion series will take you on an emotional journey of friendship, ambition, and love. Tsumura Ikuto and Fujito Chiyuki embark on a charming journey together.
Despite their undeniable talent, both Chiyuki and Ikuto face seemingly insurmountable challenges. Chiyuki’s height falls short of the standard for models, and Ikuto struggles to afford an education in fashion.
But as their friendship deepens, they inspire each other to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
This anime is not your average lighthearted series – it has a depth that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to tears. With themes of rejection, ambition, and love, this series has something for everyone.
And the incredible fashion designs and insight into the procedures of designing and modeling are simply awe-inspiring.
14Paradise Kiss
Embark on a sartorial journey with this exhilarating series, a must-watch among animes about fashion. The narrative not only features awe-inspiring attire but also delves deep into the electrifying realm of modeling.
Meet Yukari, a high-school student grappling with feelings of aimlessness. Her world takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a group of fervent fashion students eager to have her as the face for their imminent school fashion show.
Despite her initial reservations, Yukari soon finds herself embracing the runway. Unearthing a latent talent for modeling, she delves further into the world of fashion, discovering not only her true calling but also a rejuvenated sense of purpose in the process.
With a feel-good storyline and captivating characters, Paradise Kiss is an anime that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
13Princess Jellyfish
A creative and inspiring journey awaits you in Princess Jellyfish, one of the best josei anime series. This charming and colorful romance anime is about fashion and features many unforgettable and relatable female characters.
Set in an apartment complex where no men are allowed to live, the story follows the adventures of the young and shy Tsukimi, obsessed with jellyfish. Despite her kind nature, Tsukimi is insecure and has very low self-esteem.
But everything changes when she crosses paths with a super stylish Princess who helps her become more confident and teaches her all about fashion. Along the way, Tsukimi discovers her style and blossoms into a strong and independent woman.
With a heartwarming storyline and relatable characters, Princess Jellyfish is an anime that will capture your heart and inspire you to be your best self.
12Pretty Rhythm
Calling all veteran idol anime fans! You won’t want to miss the unforgettable Pretty Rhythm franchise. It all began as a rhythm game series, but in 2011, the first anime, Aurora Dream, hit our screens, captivating audiences everywhere.
One standout feature of the show is its unique before-and-after live-action segments, which follow preteen girls learning the ropes of fashion coordination, accessorizing, and dance moves.
To make the show even more authentic, the Japanese fashion brand Prism Stone was featured in both the anime and the game. Prism Stone, including straps, badges, and acrylic stands, offered various merchandise.
Fans could even purchase the same clothes and accessories worn by the characters, becoming a part of the action.
11Buriki No Kanzume
Step into the world of craftsmanship with the delightful manga, Buriki no Kanzume. Sakurakawa Nabiki’s craftsmanship club members must pass a quality check every few months to sell their items in the school’s shop.
However, Nabiki’s passion for the craft is threatened when makeup classes take away from her creative time. Will she be able to keep her dream of becoming a professional toymaker alive?
Despite being only one volume long, Sachi Minami’s Buriki no Kanzume highlights the importance of having a creative community and how different mediums can inspire each other. This manga is a must-read for fans of toymaking, silverwork, and other crafts and is sure to be an enjoyable and quick read.
10Knitter’s High
A career-ending injury is a well-known sports, anime, and manga cliche. For Kento Hamanaka, however, this cliche becomes a harsh reality after a track and field incident leaves him too injured to compete.
Suddenly, he finds himself in high school with no clear direction for his future.
But everything changes when he meets a kind, princely student who knits in the courtyard. With this student’s guidance, Hamanaka begins to discover a newfound sense of purpose through crafting with yarn.
In Knitter’s High by Yukari Nekota, we follow Hamanaka’s journey as he learns and grows as a crafter. Though progress may take time, his journey’s wholesome and natural progression is heartwarming and inspiring.
9HeartCatch PreCure!
If you’re new to PreCure, you’re in for a treat. Each season of this beloved anime series features a unique cast of characters and themes that manifest in everything from the overall storyline to the characters’ costumes and the towns they call home.
In the 2010 season, HeartCatch PreCure!, the spotlight shines on flowers and fashion design. We follow the story of Tsubomi Hanasaki, a sweet but shy girl who struggles with self-confidence.
Though she loves plants, she’s unsure of her true calling until she meets Erika Kurumi. Blunt and ambitious, Erika dreams of becoming a model and loves to design her clothes.
Together, the girls join their school’s Fashion Club, allowing them to explore their passion for fashion and reinvent themselves.
8Gokinjo Monogatari
In this 50-episode series, based on the same universe as Paradise Kiss, we follow Mikako as she navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and career.
The show’s relatable themes and well-crafted characters bring the story to life, but its distinct animation style truly sets it apart.
The use of flat colors, unique lighting and textures, original body proportions, and unconventional scenario compositions all work together to create a visually stunning and memorable viewing experience.
Whether you’re a fan of anime fashion, relatable characters, or innovative animation, this series has something for everyone.
7Prince of Sewing
Say goodbye to the cliches of traditional romance manga with Prince of Sewing, a one-shot gem by Sayo Koito. The story follows a successful fashion magazine editor who is shocked when her boyfriend breaks up with her for not knowing how to sew on a button.
A skilled young man runs a sewing class for her to prove him wrong.
As the editor promotes her teacher’s handmade stuffed animals and accessories, she begins to feel supported by him and realizes she does not have to change to be enough. Though the teacher may sew more often throughout the manga, the editor’s journey feels authentic and relatable.
Prince of Sewing sends a clear message about the joy of sewing and how it can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby for anyone.
6Neighborhood Story
Regarding fashion-related anime, one can’t ignore the queen of josei manga herself, Ai Yazawa. As a young woman, she attended a fashion school, and her passion for fashion shines through in all her works, as her characters are always impeccably dressed.
One of her earliest works, Neighborhood Story, follows the story of aspiring fashion designer Mikako Kouda and her childhood friend, Tsutomu Yamaguchi, as they attend the Yazawa Art Academy.
Even though Mikako is moody, she is fiercely dedicated to her dream and does everything she can to bring attention to her brand, “Happy Berry.”
With Yazawa’s signature style, Neighborhood Story is a timeless masterpiece that expertly weaves fashion, friendship, and passion into a compelling and relatable story.
5Otomen
Get ready to meet Asuka Masamune, the ultimate model student with impressive kendo and karate skills who always stands up for others. But there’s a catch: Asuka has kept his hobbies a secret. He’s a shojo manga lover who enjoys cooking, knitting, and sewing, but he’s afraid of what people might think of him if they knew.
In Aya Kanno’s Otomen, traditional gender roles and societal expectations take center stage.
Asuka realizes he can’t keep hiding his true self when he falls in love with a new transfer student. He wants to show her his true colors but fears what might happen.
Through Asuka’s journey of self-discovery, Otomen sends a powerful message about embracing our passions and accepting ourselves for who we are.
4Nana
The beloved 2006 romance anime Nana immerses you in the world of fashion and music. With the TikTok anime and manga craze of 2020, the series has again captured viewers’ hearts with its captivating story and fashion-forward character design by Ai Yazawa.
The anime follows two young women named Nana, who end up living together in Tokyo after meeting by chance on a train. Nana Ozaki, one of the Nanas, is passionate about punk fashion, especially Vivienne Westwood.
Her jewelry pieces, such as the iconic orb necklace and armor ring, are from Vivienne Westwood’s edgy 90s and early 2000s collections.
3V.B. Rose
Prepare to be swept away by the heartwarming tale of Ahega Shiroi in V.B. Rose by Banri Hidaka. Ageha is a high schooler passionate about making bags for herself and her sister.
But her life takes an unexpected turn when her sister announces her wedding plans, and the pattern designer at the bridal shop cannot complete the dress.
Determined to make her sister’s wedding perfect, Ageha steps up to help at the shop and hones her sewing and bead embroidery skills along the way.
V.B. Rose stands out among other fashion manga because of its unique focus on wedding dresses.
Fans of fashion and romance will enjoy the heartwarming and memorable series about Ageha and her shop owners.
2Shugo Chara!
Shugo Chara! may not be a fashion-focused series like others, but it still has some serious style. The protagonist, Amu, is a true fashionista with a “cool and spicy” vibe that makes her stand out from the crowd.
While her everyday outfits are always on point, her magical girl costumes really steal the show.
But what makes Amu’s fashion sense so intriguing is the contrast between her punk and goth-inspired civilian clothes and her sweet, pastel-colored magical girl outfits. It’s like she’s two different people, which all ties into her complex personality.
Despite her cool exterior, Amu is shy and reserved, making her fashion choices a window into her true self.
1My Dress-Up Darling
Experience the world of cosplay and artisan doll-making like never before with My Dress-Up Darling, a captivating series based on the manga by Shinichi Fukuda. Discover how Wakana Gojo, an artisan doll maker, helps Marin Kitagawa, an inexperienced cosplayer, create her favorite characters.
Through their collaboration, Wakana and Marin discover new ways to express themselves creatively and learn from each other’s unique experiences and passions.
What truly sets My Dress-Up Darling apart is its meticulous attention to detail in creating each of Marin’s cosplays. From pattern drawing to fabric selection, viewers are treated to an immersive experience of the cosplay-making process.